Around 1350 the Brethren of the Common Life, founded by Gerhard Groote, made an attempt to reform the church. Their teachings were called Devotio Moderna (The New Devotion.) This group founded schools, from which came many men who did much to promote learning and piety. Luther attended one of their schools in Magdeburg for one year. Three other pupils who attended were John of Wessel, Erasmus and Thomas a Kempis.